The author paints a personal and often critical image of three cities — those, which he is the most familiar with and which are particularly dear and close to him. Despite being familiar with tens of the most renowned cities in the world, the author has selected fully familial examples, which he has had and continues to have personal ties. Throughout their histories, they have been subjected to dramatic events. In terms of spatial creation, they underwent — and continue to undergo-fluid, hybrid, ambivalent and often controversial transformation. They have also been treated implicitly, as subjectively-presented models of cities in general — as well as of their fate and evolution. The author considers the city to be — perhaps — the greatest expression of human culture and civilisation.

The article discusses the current situation of the periodical in the context of changes in Polish science—the manner of its organisation, to be precise. The Journal of the Commission of Urban Design and Architecture of the Krakow branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences is a scientific periodical that is fifty years old and enjoys the acknowledgment of the Polish community of scholars from the fields of architecture, urban plan�ning and the disciplines related to them. The latest events, the reform of higher education in particular, have introduced significant changes. The journal’s adaptation to new conditions leads to new opportunities for Polish scholars.
The work also concisely outlines the main themes that are the subject of discussions by authors and that constitute the content of this volume.

The paper presents an original introduction to the forty-fifth volume of the yearbook. Volume number, and above all, the date of its publication, Anno Domini 2017, give it an honor of jubilee edition, which creates a good opportunity to recall the history of the magazine. The work also includes short introductions to some articles.